China Vows to Block Taiwan

BEIJING – Premier Wen Jiabao vowed Saturday never to permit formal independence for Taiwan as he opened a session of China's figurehead parliament that is to enact an anti-secession law aimed at the self-ruled island.

In a nationally televised speech, Wen also said China is aiming for 8 percent economic growth this year as it tries to slow a surging expansion that leaders worry could spark financial problems.

Wen gave no details of the anti-secession law, which Taiwanese leaders say could set the stage for a military attack. Beijing claims Taiwan, which split from China in 1949, as part of its territory.

Speaking before lawmakers in the cavernous Great Hall of the People (search), Wen said the law reflects the "strong determination of the Chinese people to ... never allow secessionist forces working for `Taiwan independence' to separate Taiwan from China."

Communist leaders regard rural anger as their most pressing domestic issue, though poverty and social issues were overshadowed by controversy over the planned anti-secession law in advance of the National People's Congress session. A final vote on the law is scheduled for March 14, the last day of the congress.

Wen said all farm taxes will be eliminated next year and promised that by 2007 every Chinese child can receive nine years of schooling — an extraordinary commitment in a country where incomes per person average just $1,000 a year. Children from poor families will be exempt from most fees and receive free textbooks, the premier said, though he didn't make clear whether they will still have to pay tuition.

The 2,985-member NPC approves legislation already decided by the ruling Communist Party (search). But the body also serves as a tool to keep communist leaders in touch with a fast-changing, increasingly capitalist society and provides a high-profile stage for announcing national policy and initiatives such as the anti-secession law.

As its session opened, hundreds of police and plainclothes security agents stood guard outside the Great Hall and on adjacent Tiananmen Square (search) to prevent demonstrations.

Tung was to meet with Hu on Saturday afternoon and return to Hong Kong on Sunday, according to an official who asked not to be identified. The official said the meeting's agenda wasn't known yet and he declined to provide other details.